The Town of Parker will host its annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program from Dec. 26 through Jan. 24. This year’s drop-off site will again be the east paved Salisbury Park ballfields parking lot, located at 11920 Motsenbocker Rd., and available to Parker residents only.

Both green and flocked REAL trees are accepted. Before dropping off any Christmas trees, remove all plastic tarps, tree stands and nails, ornaments, lights, garland and tinsel. No artificial trees, garland or wreathes with wire backing will be accepted.

Please drop off during park hours only, 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and do not illegally dump any other items at the drop-off location. Commercial tree lot disposal or yard waste is not permitted.

The trees collected by the program will be chipped into mulch, which will be available at the same site at no charge to residents beginning Jan. 2. Remaining mulch will be utilized throughout the Town and not discarded in a landfill.

Residents should not place Christmas trees in garbage containers. Keeping trees out of the landfills helps extend the life of landfills and produces a useful resource. The annual Christmas Tree Recycling Program is just one of many ways that Parker residents can reduce, reuse and recycle.

Please contact the Town of Parker at 303.840.9546 with further questions.

First and foremost I would like to personally thank each of you for taking the time to read our December issue of Search Castle Rock Magazine. I would also like to wish you and yours a very merry Christmas.

This is a very busy time of year for most of us. Scrambling to get all our work projects done before holiday time off…helping the kids get last minute assignments for school done before semester’s end…trying to find that perfect gift for someone special…it can all become very overwhelming and stressful.

Giving gifts during the holiday has different significance to most people. However, there is usually a constant of trying to find the “right” thing to buy. In our December issue we have a great feature of locally made items that would make great gifts for friends and family. Not only would your friends be impressed with your ninja-like gifting skills, but when you purchase from local businesses you help keep your local community strong.

On average, when you spend one dollar with a locally owned business about 3/4 of that dollar stays in your local community. When you spend that dollar online with a business that has no local ties, none of it stays in your community. So, one of the best gifts you can give this year is to spend money as close to home as possible with locally owned businesses.

This month I challenge each of you to embrace the lost art form of gift giving. We sometime lose focus and only see the “gift getting” side of things. In other words, we get hung up on “will he like it” or “is it what she wants” instead of seeing the joy and power of giving. Gifting is just as much about the person giving as the person receiving the gift.

So here is the challenge. Take a look at the variety of locally made products we have listed in this issue and find one that reminds you of someone special. This way the gift determines the person receiving it. Buy it and see how special it makes that person feel to know you thought of them when finding it. What a wonderful feeling.

Stay safe this holiday season and enjoy time with family and friends. Spread some love around our community and shop local.

From my family to yours, have a Merry Christmas and a blessed new year.

Looking for the “perfect” gift for someone special? We’ve found some great locally produced products that will make amazing gifts and give you the opportunity to help some great local businesses!

Extraordinary Beards
We produce hand crafted premium quality beard oil, beard balms and beard accessories. Our oils serve a purpose and each blend is unique to help a man grow a healthy and extraordinary beard.www.extraordinarybeards.com

The Daisy Tree
We provide a variety of colorful, handcrafted products for all stages of your life. Whether you are in need of a special gift for baby, a friend, family member or a little something for yourself – we have you covered!Thedaisytree.com

The WarmFront
The WarmFront is a chest warmer and removable base layer for cyclists, runners and outdoor enthusiasts. It was designed to be the ultimate in function and simplicity. It keeps you warm when you need it, and removes easily when you don’t.www.thewarmfront.com

Weaver’s American Light Whiskey
Weaver’s American Light Whiskey is made from a corn mash and has a smooth buttery pallet with notes of caramel and toffee. Light Whiskey is distilled to a higher proof level than other types of whiskies giving it a more delicate character.weaversspirits.com

The Colorado Cookie Company
Homemade sweets & treats that include: assorted cookies, biscotti, scones, and brownies as well as seasonal sweet breads and confections. Our sweets & treats are made in small batches using quality ingredients and no preservatives.www.thecoloradocookiecompany.com

Eckert Craft Company
I create handcrafted needle felted dolls and other felted items. The dolls take between 12-15 hours to create, and are crafted by sculpting wool roving with a barbed needle, which combines the fibers together.www.etsy.com/shop/EckertCraftCompany

The Story Board
We create, manufacture and sell Educational Products. We have a complete line of wonderful Felt Stories that can be sold individually, in a plastic tote (12 stories) or a beautifully locally made wood with 32 stories.www.thestoryboard.net

Mountain View Art Glass
Hand made fused glass items – from simple coasters and spoon rests over decorative bowls to custom work such as lamps with exchangeable glass plates and woodburned gift boxes that include wineracks and coasters.www.mountainview-artglass.com

Rose’s Creamery
We make both ice cream and nut butters with only the best ingredients to bring you the freshest and best tasting products available anywhere. Our nut butters are ground fresh weekly..www.rosescreamery.com

Two Ravens Soap Company
Hand crafted bar soaps, body scrubs as well as liquid hand soaps. Bar soaps are made from natural ingredients such as olive oil, coconut oil, castor oil, essential oils and colorants.www.tworavenssoap.com

Beloved Baskets
I rescue, refurbish, relove Longaberger baskets, picture frames and lamps. Most of my products are shabby chic, French inspired. My Alana line is inspired by my Granddaughter.TerriOBriendesigns.com

Alison Kelley Designs
I’m a self-taught metalsmith and jewelry designer. I enjoy making gemstone jewelry, crystal jewelry as well as metal fabricated pieces made of all gold or sterling silver and gemstone pieces.www.alisonkelleydesings.com

Mark Made It
We hand craft bird feeders, custom bird houses and bat houses. Each house is built with the intentions of providing the best conditions for the species of bird it is intended for.www.markmadeit.com

During this time of year, it is easy to get wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays and forget to take the time to think about what the holiday season is really about. Pausing, even for a moment, to appreciate your family and friends and the little bits of joy that can pop up in your day when you least expect it.

There are few things more joyful than seeing the holidays through the wonder filled eyes of children. Children, no matter their circumstances, manage to constantly remind us that the holidays are a truly a magical time of year. For the last nine years, patients at Children’s Hospital have had a more magical holiday thanks to the generous contributions of the community and the tireless efforts of Mia Samora, who organizes Harry’s Annual Toy Drive in memory of her son, Harry Samora.

Harry was a good friend of my oldest son, Christopher. I can still remember the day when my wife called me as Christopher and I were going into King Soopers with the news of Harry’s passing. Having to explain to a seven year old that he would never be able to see his friend again was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do.

Harry’s time on this earth was entirely too brief, but his legacy of joy lives on, year after year, bringing smiles to the faces of those brave little warriors at Children’s Hospital. We should all strive to have as meaningful a life and make as profound a difference in this world as Harry Samora. By honoring Harry’s life and making a contribution in his name we are all embracing the true meaning of the holidays and in that act of giving, we are reminded of how lucky we are to be able to share in the spirit of the season.

To donate, bring new, unwrapped toys (Harry especially loved race cars) for children newborn-18 years or a monetary donation through December 21 to our office at Waid Publishing, 19751 E Mainstreet, Suite R-18, Parker, CO 80138. You can also make a donation online at harrysamoramemorial.com.

Have you ever had the dream of rockin’ out on stage with thousands of screaming fans cheering and dancing to your sweet tunes? How about simply wanting to be able to take up a new hobby that involves a musical instrument? In many cases, the financial investment of buying music equipment might be the barrier to learning that new hobby or becoming the next rock star. Have no fear, Play It Again Music in Parker is here!

When you stop by their store at 10234 Progress Way in Parker you notice an abundance of used and new musical gear. Everything from drums to guitars to keyboards to gear that you might not know what it is or does is available there. With years of experience in buying and selling musical instruments and gear, their knowledge and expertise can help you find what you are looking for.
Do you have a child who swears they want to learn the guitar or drums? We’ve all been there and buying used is definitely the way to go. This keeps the financial investment down while giving your little one the opportunity to explore and learn something new and exciting.

No matter if you are a seasoned music professional or someone just wanting to try something new, Play It Again Music in Parker should be your “go to” resource. Hit them up online at playitagainmusicco.com or stop by and check them out!

Get into the spirit of the holidays as the Parker Chorale and the Parker Symphony Orchestra treat you to an evening of traditional carols, familiar songs, and a few surprises in this annual celebration of the season. Parker Chorale is an adult community choral group dedicated to fostering the arts and supporting music education in the Town of Parker and Douglas County. Similarly, the Parker Symphony Orchestra is an all-volunteer group whose mission is to perform orchestra music that will educate, entertain and inspire the people of Parker and the surrounding communities. These home town groups come together for an evening of holiday cheer, celebrated through the joy of music.

Continue the holiday tradition in downtown Parker at the Christmas Carriage Parade on Saturday, Dec. 12 at noon! See spectacular marching bands, equestrian entries and catch a glimpse of Mr. and Mrs. Claus! Come early and stay after the parade to experience holiday ice sculpting sponsored by Kneaders Bakery & Café and Huntington Learning Center and a petting zoo and pony rides sponsored by Westerra Credit Union and Swingle Lawn and Tree Landscape Care from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Home for the Holidays Winter Market will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and there will be pictures with Santa sponsored by Authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu from 1 to 3 p.m.!

The 2015 parade is themed “A Storybook Christmas” and will begin heading west on Mainstreet at noon. Parade spectators are asked to remember that Mainstreet and Victorian roads will be closed from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and those parked in this area will not be able to exit until roads are reopened. Parking outside of these limits is advised. Visit www.ParkerOnline.org/CarriageParade for maps and more information. You may also call 303.841.0353.

Many thanks to the sponsors that help make this event possible: Authentic Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Kneaders Bakery & Café, Swingle Lawn Tree and Landscape Care, Westerra Credit Union, Parker Station Professional Offices, Escalade Financial Partners and Spradlin Printing. A special thank you to our Town Partners: Huntington Learning Center and Rocky Mountain Real Estate Advisors.

OH NO! You stop in horror as you hear a loud ‘crack’ when you sit down. you just realized that your cell phone was in your back pocket! Hoping for the best you slowly pull it out just to realize the screen has dozens of little spider web cracks spread all over it. What now?

You could head over to the local phone store and see if there is anything they can do? More than likely the only option they will give is to purchase a new phone and sign a new contact. Well, you do have options and they are far less expensive than a new phone. Try getting your phone repaired instead of replacing it.

Many businesses have popped up that will repair your broken or damaged phone at a fraction of the cost. These businesses, like locally owned Device Dr., can fix a wide range of issues which your phone may be suffering from.

Screen is cracked? No problem. Battery no longer holding a charge? They’ve got it covered. Speaker not sounding right? They can make it sound beautiful again.
Many repairs can be completed same day with very little down time. So instead of replacement, try repair and save time and money.
Device Dr. is located at 734 S. Perry St. Unit D in Castle Rock. They can be reached at 303-927-6454 or online at DeviceDr.com.

Bring your friends and family to O’Brien Park on Saturday, December 12th at 6:00pm to celebrate the Menorah lighting. All are welcome to thi annual event in Parker. Presented by the Chabad Jewish Center of South Metro Denver, the annual Menorah lighting is a great event for those of all faiths.

The festivities include latkes & donuts, children’s enterntainment, Chanukau arts & crafts, gifts for the children and much more. All ages will have a great time and learn about Chanukah.

Rabbi Avraham Mintz, Parker Mayor Mike Waid, member of the Parker Town Council and others from your community will be there to celebrate.

A Christmas Memory By Truman Capote

This is a darling short story about a seven year old boy and his elderly cousin, whom is his best friend. They are preparing for the holidays, and their annual event of making, and giving away fruitcakes. It may not have many pages but this is a powerful story of a bond between two unlikely buddies.

BECKY I picked this short story thinking that it would be a great read for a busy time of year. What I quickly discovered was an absolute treasure. Truman Capote wrote this mostly autobiographical story for Mademoiselle Magazine in December of 1956. It wasn’t a printed book until 1966. It’s a short story about his memory of preparing for the holidays with his elderly cousin. Did you enjoy this tale as much as I did?

PAM I loved this story of friendship and the excitement that is found in a special relationship. His elderly cousin calls him “Buddy,” after a long ago acquaintance. He is accepting of this nickname and it seems to somehow add to the magic of this unlikely pair. They live in a house with many other relatives who don’t always appreciate their special adventures. At one point, one of the relatives becomes angry with Buddy’s cousin. What were your thoughts about this “pecking order” in the house?

BECKY There is a line in the beginning part of the book that reads, “Other people inhabit the house, relatives; and though they have power over us, and frequently make us cry, we are not, on the whole, too much aware of them.” I think that this says it all. The friends are clearly at the bottom of the pecking order but it doesn’t seem to affect them too much. The two are treated a bit harsh but I think that it represented what was normal for the time in history that this is written. What did you think about the beautiful illustrations?

PAM The illustrations certainly enhance this lovely story. The fun drawings help the reader form a complete picture of the characters and their adventures. Some of their biggest adventures revolve around gathering the ingredients to make fruitcakes for many friends (and even people they didn’t know personally). It is an exciting time for both of them when his cousin wakes up and declares it is time for their annual task. Didn’t you love how they worked together so excitedly?

BECKY They were an adorable pair and although it is a short story the author made this pair delightfully engaging. If you like the beauty of an older style of writing than you will enjoy this little treasure. I am going to buy a couple of copies for Christmas presents. Did you know that there is also a movie based on this book?

PAM Great idea, Becky; this would make a lovely gift. I did not know there is a movie based on this story. Is it a recent movie? I would love to watch it during the Christmas season.

BECKY During my research I found some interesting information. The first version was filmed, by ABC Stage 67, in 1966 and is narrated by Capote. One of the stars won an Emmy and the production won a Peabody Award. You can find it on YouTube but unfortunately it is broken into six separate recordings. There was also a Hallmark television movie made in 1997 with Patty Duke. If you really want to get into the spirit of this movie then whip up a loaf of fruitcake. Check out the following link to a fruitcake recipe. I was looking for something more unique than what we traditionally think of when fruitcake is mentioned. I haven’t tried it yet but it sounds pretty darn yummy.

Pam, please tell us what the first pick of 2016 will be.

PAM We will take a sharp turn and explore the history of World War II through the eyes of many women, as we discuss The Girls of Atomic City
By: Denise Kiernan.